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MeshCore CSRA

Off-grid, encrypted mesh communication for Augusta, GA and the Central Savannah River Area - no cell towers, no internet required.

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What is MeshCore?

MeshCore is a free, open-source mesh networking platform built on affordable LoRa (Long Range) radio hardware. Messages hop from device to device across a network of nodes - no cell signal, no Wi-Fi, no internet needed.

Whether you're a hiker deep in the woods, a prepper preparing for grid-down scenarios, or a ham radio operator expanding your digital toolkit, MeshCore gives your community a resilient communication backbone.

📡 No Infrastructure

Works completely off-grid. Each device works together in mesh, extending range for everyone.

🔒 Encrypted

Messages are encrypted end-to-end. Your conversations stay private even over shared radio frequencies.

💰 Affordable

Compatible hardware starts around $15. No subscriptions, no fees - ever.

🌍 Long Range

LoRa radios can reach 5–15+ miles line-of-sight. With relay nodes, coverage grows across the whole region.

⚡ Low Power

Devices run for days or weeks on a small battery. Deploy solar-powered fixed nodes for permanent coverage.

🤝 Community Owned

The CSRA network is built and maintained by local volunteers - your participation makes it stronger.

Why MeshCore for the CSRA?

The Augusta / CSRA region spans two states, multiple counties, and a mix of urban, suburban, and rural terrain. That diversity makes a community mesh network especially valuable here:

  • Disaster resilience - hurricanes, ice storms, and severe weather knock out cell and power infrastructure in the CSRA. A mesh network keeps communicating.
  • Outdoor recreation - parks and miles of remote hiking trails are outside reliable cell coverage.
  • Ham radio synergy - the CSRA has an active amateur radio community. MeshCore complements traditional repeater networks with digital, smartphone-friendly messaging, even for those without an amateur radio license.
  • Cross-state coordination - our network crosses the Georgia/South Carolina border, linking Augusta, North Augusta, Aiken, and surrounding communities.

How It Works

Message flow: your phone sends via Bluetooth to your node, which hops across relay nodes over 915 MHz LoRa radio to reach the destination node and their phone

  1. You type a message in the MeshCore app on your phone (Android or iOS).
  2. Your message is encrypted and sent via Bluetooth to your handheld LoRa node.
  3. The node broadcasts the message over the 915 MHz radio band.
  4. Nearby nodes automatically relay the message, extending range.
  5. The destination node delivers the message to the recipient's phone.

No accounts, no servers, no monthly fees. It just works.

I want to... Go here
Buy my first device Hardware Guide
Set up my device Getting Started
See local nodes and coverage Network Coverage
Find official docs and downloads Resources

New to LoRa mesh networking entirely?

Start with Getting Started - it walks you through everything from buying hardware to sending your first message, no technical background required.